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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Hal says that Rosemary looked at him ______________.

2. To what does Mrs. Potts invite Hal?

3. What is Millie's demeanor in the way she is dressed?

4. Which character is by herself as Act 2 begins?

5. Where does Rosemary want Howard to take her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Madge respond to Hal's vulnerability?

2. How does Alan respond when Madge apologizes for not going to the picnic the night before?

3. How does Hal enter the scene to talk to Madge?

4. What time of day is it when Act 3, Scene 1 begins?

5. How do Alan and Hal know each other?

6. How has Rosemary's brutal honesty changed the way in which Howard perceives her?

7. What does Hal share with Madge about his feelings of insecurity?

8. How does Howard evade the marriage question at least temporarily?

9. What does Millie do to mask her anger at the attraction between Madge and Hal?

10. What does Millie dream of when she hears the train whistle in the distance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of evolving roles is an important one in this story. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 2

PICNIC is set in the 1950s during a time of economic boom but sexual repression. What impact did these two factors have on the author? What impact did these factors have on his work, especially the PICNIC? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study on Hal. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

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This section contains 616 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample